Fabric Recycling – Let’s Sort It Out…
It seems to me every year I bag up 10 or so packages to donate to the Sally Ann. Most of us probably do the same thing however one has to wonder what actually happens to the garments and fabrics that do not make an exit from that source or other community minded projects of similar natures. For that matter, what happens when people actually toss a garment into the trash?
According to the Textile Recycling Agency (US) it is estimated that each person in the US generates over 60 pounds of textile waste each year, and although over 90 percent of this could be recyclable, it’s unfortunate that approximately 85 % of it still ends up as landfill. If we take the estimated populations of both the US and Canada we are talking about over 10 billion pounds of fabric. What a waste! Especially since the recycling of fibres could actually produce plenty of new resources while generating less hazardous production waste than conventional fabric production.
We have hazardous waste days, unused appliance pick-up, and recycle our leaves and garden waste. Why not a fabric focus? Perhaps recycling companies or agencies like the Salivation Army could help promote a clothing recycle day???
So why not more community programs of this nature? Maybe there aren’t enough companies that can handle the volume, it could be that reproduction isn’t financially viable—yet; or plainly the problem might be too big to handle. Years ago this wasn’t an issue. People were more cautious with their money, recycling in general wasn’t a problem. Most items came in crocks, pottery, glass or wood containers which had a secondary value or returnable refund. Clothing wasn’t much of an issue either as families were usually larger, clothing was passed down, and when it wasn’t wearable any longer, quilts were made or rag rugs were popular. What about today and now?
Time has come for us to really sort out the problem. There are plenty of recycled fabric uses: clothing; linens; curtains, carpets & mats; furniture padding and stuffing; rope, canvas, threads, twines, wiping cloths rags, and tote bags. Cotton can be shredded and converted to high quality paper. Wool can be pulled into a fibrous condition for reuse as insulation. Polyesters can be reliquified and extruded back into new fabric.
What can we do now?
Donate good used clothing to charity, or
Resell at garage or through second hand consignment stores.
Buy gently used clothes from charity shops.
Purchase new clothing thoughtfully--invest in quality items that will last and you will wear a long time.
The Newest Trend!
Soybean dates back to the 2853 BC, when Emperor Sheng-Nung of China names five valuable plants that were scarce at the time, soybean,rice,wheat and barley,millet. The soybean first originated in China and by the first century AD Japan and China were harvesting the beans. In the early 1800's soybean was given to the Americans as a gesture but was uses for the ballast aboard the clipper ship. In 1879 few farmers took a leap of faith and began planting soybeans as a means of animal feed for their livestock. Too much of their surprise; soybean crops flourished exremely well in the hot humid weather conditons. Then History Began! By the turn of the century the US Department of Agriculture encouraged farmers to plant soybean as means of animal feed after extensive test were conducted. There have been numerous testing over the years on the two main properties of soybean, are soy-proteins and oils. By the early 1940's soybean crops were spreading in with America becoming a larger supplier, than China. To this day the US is thee number one grower in producing close to 3,000 million bushels of soybeans. That is a lot of Beans.
The newest trend that stems from the soybean industry in China in the late 1990's in the eco-friendly fashion of soy clothing. China produced a new fiber from scrap remains of soybean and tofu production. The quality of soybean proteins fiber has sheen of silk which is fantastic and and admirable swathe, which makes the fabric stylish and draps in an elegant manner. The benefits of clothing made out of fabrics of yarn with high counts is the appearance of each article in which it's prepared. The natural color of soybean fiber are yellow. The proteins within the soybean fibers have an outstanding anti-crease effect and it's easy washed and dries fairly quickly. The pilling property is similar to that of traditional cotton. Listed below are number other points that may help you to decide to help protect your environment.
- It's mositure absorption and mositure transmission, in which it counts for the hygienic and comfortable feeling.
- Added bacteria agent is integrated in the molecule chain. This assist the fabric resistant against coil bacillus, staphylococcus aureus and candida albicuns.
- Soybean proteins fabric are durable, soft and smooth to ones skin.
- The breaking strength of a single soybean protein fiber is over 3.0cNdtex, which is superior to that of wool, cotton and even silk and only lower that that of polyester.
- Under normal washing soybean fabric's size stays stable and shrinkage at minimal.
- Protection against ultra violet rays.
- Soybean fibers can be dyed by using acid dyestuff and actice dyestuff which including the latter that makes the fiber have the good quality color and luster to it's appearance.
- Soybean has a healthy side that is benefical to the human body, which includes amino acids such as hydroxyl, amido-cyanogen and carboxyl.
- Soybean sole botanic fibers has the function of health to which no other fiber processes.
- Cotton fibers are similar to that soybean fibers but it's that ventilation that enhances the soybean fabric making it a better choice.
Here we have it soybean productioin has grown to be a multi-million dollar industry as a food source across the nation and now soy clothing has begun throughout China to assit in the eco-friendly environment. The main benefits within the soy fabric stems from the anit-fungi elements that is added to protect our bodies and fabric from developing colon bacillus, impetigo bacteria and sporothrix.
HEMP…ORGANIC PIONEER
Long before the “organic movement”, Hemp was an industry unto itself dating back thousands of years. Ancient uses included wagon covers, ship sails, rope, canvas for sacking and much of the world’s paper up until the late 1800s. Colonialists and Early Republicans were legally bound to grow it and received a fine for not doing so. Sought after for its long fibres, woody core and rapid growth, industrial hemp is of the same family as marijuana, Cannabis Sativa, but having next to no THC which is a hallucinogen found in the flowers and leaves. This association led to its prohibition in the late 1930s and the Marijuana Tax Act which brought about tax and licensing regulations, making it a non-profit crop for farmers. During WW2, farmers were subsidized to grow it because their overseas fibre supply was cut off but with no need for the industry after, processing plants shut down. Today, interest in its production has steadily increased and rightly so, since hemp is truly one of the oldest, most beneficial crops in the world and an organic pioneer.
GROWING STRENGTHES:
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Crop is eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable
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Protects delicate ecosystems and forests ravaged for their wood pulp
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Matures in four months compared to 15-20 years for the average tree
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Produces 4 times more raw fibre than an equivalent sized tree lot
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More efficient in atmospheric carbon dioxide conversion/absorption
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Eliminates the use of pesticides because insects don’t like it
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No need for herbicides as it’s hardier than most weeds
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Thrives in any climate or soil and is drought-resistant
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Extensive root system prevents erosion, removes toxins and improves soil structure making it an ideal rotation crop
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Potential to replace traditional cotton and its harmful processes
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Paper production requires no bleaching and protects waterways
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Aids in the repair of our biosphere, air quality and weather patterns
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Farming industry would thrive growing a viable, earth-friendly crop
PERSONALITY, PERFORMANCE & CARE:
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Long, high-value “bast fibres” produce textiles, twine, geotextiles and paper
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Shorter “tow fibres” from textile processing also used for geotextiles and paper making
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Woody, fibrous core or “hurds” suitable for paper making, animal bedding and particle board as a building material
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Seeds suitable for human, fowl or fish consumption and oil production
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Fibres range from strong and cottony-soft that are smooth like silk to strong and crispy-stiff that are rough like flax used to make linen
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Blended with other natural fibres and synthetics for an array of uses
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Woven for its versatility, strength and durability
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Naturally repels the sun’s UV rays
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Contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties
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Highly breathable for wicking away moisture from the body
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Insulating qualities provide summer coolness and winter warmth
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Wash in borax, distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solutions
HIP HEMP USES:
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A broad range of textiles used for clothing, upholstery, linens and other home products such as pillows, curtains, rugs/mats and accessories such as belts, shoes, bags and wallets
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Yarns, twines and cordage
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Food (complete vegetable protein, snacks, hemp meal, flour)
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Beverages (edible oil, beer)
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Livestock feed and bedding
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Cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers
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Medicines
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Wood, paper, plastics and building materials
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Cleaing detergents and painting products
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Lubricants
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An oil for lighting using wicks of braided, hemp twine
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Incense and aromatherapy products
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Fabricated auto parts Biomass fuels that reduce CO2 levels
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE:
Industrial Hemp has become a popular consideration in being “environmentally responsible”. Originally imported from Asia or Europe, its production in other areas has become dependant on research, government involvement/legislation, industry-based providers and the technology to develop a process that’s cost effective. There’s still a great need for processing mills, distribution chains and the ability to mass produce domestic hemp in favour of importing it from elsewhere. Ideally in the near future, the “norm” would see applications in the auto industry as a sustainable fuel and in the construction sector as a natural building insulation. Perhaps we’ll all be living in Hemp houses! But with its history, versatility, strength and durability, it would come as no surprise to realize one day, that it’s the leading sustainer of our future on this one and only Mother Earth!
